In the heart of the endless forest, where the ancient trees loomed tall and the whispers of nature wove a tapestry of mystery, a trio ventured forth. The sun's rays filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows upon the forest floor. 18-year-old apprentice hunter named Morriana, affectionately called Mori, accompanied by her fellow apprentice companion, Neres, walked alongside their grizzled mentor, Boreas. Boreas, a seasoned hunter at level 15, had taken it upon himself to guide the young apprentices deeper into the forest, seeking out stronger beasts to test their mettle.

The forest seemed to whisper secrets as the trio trekked through its depths. Mori's sharp eyes scanned their surroundings, taking in the subtle signs of the forest's inhabitants. Neres marveled at every leaf and insect that crossed their path. Boreas, ever watchful, shared his wisdom and experiences with his eager apprentices.

"Remember, Mori, patience and precision are the keys to success," Boreas advised, his voice gruff but filled with a hint of warmth. "And Neres, keep your senses sharp. Sometimes, the forest speaks to you if you listen closely."

“WE KNOW, Boreas. We haven’t reached level 6 by being complete idiots, you know?”, quipped Mori.

Boreas grumbled under his breath about ungrateful children, while Neres just grinned at the grizzled hunter.

The banter between mentor and apprentices was lively, their conversation punctuated by laughter and the occasional witty observation.

As they delved deeper into the forest, the air crackled with a sense of anticipation. The beasts they encountered grew stronger and more elusive, challenging the apprentices to hone their skills. The forest itself seemed to test their resolve, and they embraced the challenge with relish.

But amidst their explorations, an unexpected encounter shook the tranquil harmony. A piercing roar reverberated through the trees, followed by the ominous growl of a predator. The trio turned as one, their eyes widening at the sight of a level 22 Pyro Sabertooth Tiger, its fiery mane shimmering in the sunlight.

Mori's heart raced, knowing that the beast was beyond their current abilities. Panic threatened to take hold, but the bonds of camaraderie and shared purpose fueled their courage. Boreas, knowing the danger they faced, stepped forward to shield his young apprentices.

"Go! Get out of here!" Boreas shouted, his voice filled with a mixture of authority and concern. "I'll hold it off!"

But Mori and Neres refused to abandon their mentor. With fierce determination, they stood at Boreas's side, ready to face the beast head-on.

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The battle raged on, each clash of claws and teeth a testament to the ferocity of the Pyro Sabertooth Tiger. Boreas, with his years of experience and honed skills, unleashed a barrage of arrows upon the beast. His Multi Arrow skill, a testament to his mastery of archery, allowed him to rain down a storm of projectiles upon their foe.

But the relentless assault took its toll on Boreas. The strain of using his skills pushed him to his limits, draining his vitality with each shot. Yet, fueled by his unwavering determination to protect his apprentices, he tapped into the depths of his strength.

With a grimace of pain, Boreas activated his Heart of the Hunter skill. The sacrifice of his own health became a wellspring of energy that surged through his companions. Mori and Neres felt a surge of renewed vigor, their wounds closing and fatigue fading.

Mori felt her heart sink at Boreas's selflessness, even in the face of danger. "Boreas, you dunce! Save your health and kill this overgrown kitty!"

Boreas, his voice strained but filled with determination, replied, "You two are my responsibility, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. Now, let's finish this together."

With renewed strength and a newfound resolve, the trio fought on. Their strikes grew bolder, their movements more coordinated. The Pyro Sabertooth Tiger, sensing their unyielding spirit, met their onslaught with equal ferocity.

In the final moments of the battle, Mori and Neres unleashed a coordinated attack, both of their piercing arrow skill distracting the beast as Boreas drew his bow one last time. With a steady hand and unwavering aim, he released an arrow imbued with lightning – his trump card, the lightning arrow skill.

The arrow found its mark, piercing the Pyro Sabertooth Tiger's vulnerable spot. A pained roar filled the forest, and the creature fell, defeated.

Exhausted and wounded, the trio stood over their fallen adversary. However, the Pyro Sabertooth Tiger had proved to be a formidable adversary, leaving Boreas grievously wounded.

Time seemed to slow as the realization of their mentor's injuries sank in. Mori and Neres, their hearts heavy with fear and desperation, worked frantically to stabilize Boreas's condition. They applied makeshift bandages and medicinal herbs, their hands trembling but resolute.

"We won't let you go, Boreas," Mori whispered, her voice filled with determination. "We'll do whatever it takes to save you."

Neres, his young face etched with worry, nodded in agreement. "We're not leaving your side. We'll fight for you, just like you fought for us."

As the minutes turned into hours, their efforts bore fruit. Boreas's breathing steadied, and color returned to his pale face. The wounds were far from healed, but his life hung on, and a glimmer of hope ignited within their hearts.

Exhausted but relieved, Mori and Neres sat by Boreas's side, their gazes fixed on their mentor. Boreas mustered a weak smile, his voice barely a whisper. "You two... you fought like true hunters. I'm proud of you."

Tears welled up in Mori's eyes as she reached out to grasp Boreas's hand. "We couldn't have done it without you, Boreas. You've taught us everything we know."

Boreas's eyes flickered with pride as he gazed at his apprentice. "You would have found a way Mori, you've always been a clever child."

"Now let this old man rest,” he whispered closing his eyes.